This article appeared in the Sunday Business post on February 26th 2012
Making a success of Business and Sport
Sport for Business is a new professional network, backed by Accenture and Ulster Bank among others, with the aim to build stronger links between sport and business across Ireland.
It has been launched by Rob Hartnett who previously worked with businessman Dermot Desmond in the establishment of BETDAQ, the international betting exchange, and has 25 years direct experience in sports marketing and relationships with business.
“Sport for Business will build bridges between sporting organisations and clubs who have the loyalty of 1.7 million Irish people, and those in business who have the skills and finance to support them but who demand a return on their investment,” explained Hartnett.
“Ireland has a great passion for sport and a business community that is willing to help develop sport at every level from grassroots to elite. Our aim is to create relationships that work for both.”
“Businesses need to get a real return on any money they invest in sport, whether through innovative partnerships or sponsorship.   Sporting clubs or governing bodies need to know what business requires, and channel the passion and loyalty which they generate, to good effect,” said Hartnett.
It does not matter if the sport in question is amateur, the pitch for a relationship with business has to be professional if it to be taken seriously.
The Sport for Business website www.sportsforbusiness2.ab6z.com has been launched with access to the content of its first ten weekly online magazines completely free of charge. “There is a free trial membership so that people can see what we have to offer over the coming weeks as well.” explained Hartnett.
Accenture, Ulster Bank, Mason Hayes and Curran and KPMG are already on board as founder members.  Other major corporate organisations, some of whom are not yet involved in sport, are also among the early subscribers as well as an initial five sporting bodies.
“Members of Sport for Business will be the first to know about initiatives linking sport and business.  Membership is open to individuals and sports clubs at an annual cost of €250, to sporting organisations from €300 per year and to businesses from €500 per year.  The ambition is to repay that with a multiple of value over the course of a year.”
When you look online, you will see that Sport for Business captures and highlights the best examples of sport and business working well together from around the world, and makes this content relevant to an Irish audience.
“We highlight best practice through the weekly online magazine and free daily news digest, and develop ways in which clubs, governing bodies, and businesses can collaborate effectively. We will shortly be announcing a programme of seminars and networking events all aimed at strengthening the bonds between business and sport.”
He concluded, “Our ambition as a growing community of sporting and business leaders, both present and future, is to harness the passion of sport and the power of business for the benefit of both.”
For more information visit: www.sportsforbusiness2.ab6z.com